Rumors about the future of a section of “The Gables of Charleston” – formerly “Saddlebrook”— have evolved into an official rezoning application.

The concept begins with the 2.7 acres B-2 property behind Wendy’s and flanking Wendy’s on Ashley Phosphate Road. This parcel separates Wendy’s from The Gables.

Developers would purchase a certain 5.3 acre portion of The Gables, combine it with the Wendy’s parcel and then build a retail center anchored by a grocery store. The property that would be sold to the developers by The Gables owners would involve the elimination of 29 home sites. Residents/owners would be “well compensated” for relocation expenses.

The developers would not divulge the name of the grocery store chain they apparently believe is interested in such a project.

The rezoning proposal will first be considered by the Planning Commission September 9. City Council will consider the recommendations of the Planning Commission beginning November 7.

This long awaited shopping center will open its first operations next month – weather permitting. Developers say Starbucks could be serving by the end of September. Stores will open serially and as traffic and public safety requirements are met. Harris Teeter and Marshall’s and most of the larger retailers should be open for business very early in 2014. Some of the other shops, stores and eateries…Hallmark Cards, Cato’s Fashions, Rack Room Shoes, Pet Supplies “Plus”, Moe’s, Marco’s Pizza, the Great Wall restaurant, Five-Guys Burgers and Fries, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Sandy’s Cleaners, Lee Nails Salon, TCBY Yogurt, Massage Envy…Mattress Firm……more operations to be announced soon.

Here’s a little trivia about this project. Within a mile of the Corner at Wescott, just over 8,000 people reside in 3,010 households and 2,200 families. That’s based on the 2010 census. But within three miles, the population increases to 39,000 in 13,000 households and 10,460 families; and at five miles, it’s 89,000 people, 32,100 households and 23,500 families. Average household income within three miles is $70,500. And the traffic count on Dorchester Road is 37,200 vehicles per day. The 2000 Census concluded that in that year, only 1,184 people lived within a mile of the Corner at Wescott site.

Those Blue Bags !

These weekly advertisements are circulated door – to- door once or twice a week in many neighborhoods. When they are not collected by residents, they become litter upon front lawns and driveways. And it’s upsetting a growing number of residents who consider this uncollected material an assault on laws, rules and aesthetic values. Actually, the deposit of this material is protected in a variety of statues, case law and a S.C. Attorney General’s opinion. The bottom line – it is insulated from a legal definition of “litter.” But is it “litter” if it has not been picked up in a certain period of time? I think so, and so does the city attorney. I feel strongly that such uncollected material places an undue burden on neighborhoods that publish and enforce values of front yard maintenance through covenants. A bit of good news: I have worked out an agreement with the circulation agency that provides two solutions. One is for individual residents who can directly and formally request that their address be excluded. The second is a fairly quick procedure for a property/home owners association to request that its entire neighborhood be excluded. Residents who like the material – and there are many—could easily “opt in.” I’ll be circulating more details about these options to POA/HOA boards. In the meanwhile, contact me via e mail for further information.

The doggie park at Wescott Park is open! It’s sodded and irrigated – just like the ball fields. It’s divided for large dogs and smaller ones. Take your pups to enjoy. The rules are posted. Wescott Park has opened to rave reviews. Pay it a visit soon…take a walk, have a picnic or just drive in to see why it’s so special.

ETC….

North Charleston is an active city. Be sure to check in atwww.Northcharleston.org for information on all activities, like art festivals and recreation programs. Let me know whenever you have questions – or counsel — about any aspect of city government or services. You can monitor crime reports at www.ronbrinson.com. And please tell your neighbors that I’d be pleased to include them in the circulation of this little newsletter. They should contact me at rbrin@aol.com and simply share their e mail address.

Keep up-to-date on arts and cultural events happening in North Charleston!

Help spread the word – forward this email to a friend!
MEET THE CITY’S 2013/14 ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE!

CHARLYNN M. KNIGHT

About the Artist
Charlynn M. Knight is a professional watercolor artist and native Charlestonian. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and continues to further her painting knowledge through workshops with national and international artists. She has taught visual art classes and workshops in all media for children and adults since 1990, traveling to art guilds and organizations as well as offering weekly instruction locally.

“As an instructor/teacher, I feel it is very important to share my knowledge and pass on the love of creating and expression through Art,” she says. “Art is an amazing tool for building self-confidence and offers freedom of expression. I look forward to sharing the many different ways Art embraces and expresses who we are in new, creative ways.”

Charlynn has received several awards for her work. She has been published in International Artist Magazine and her paintings are featured in several private and corporate collections, including the City of North Charleston’s Public Art Collection. Presently her work is available at Karen’s Korner in Mt. Pleasant and Laura Alberts Tasteful Options in Daniel Island.

About the A.I.R. Program
The City’s A.I.R. serves as a key resource for the department’s school outreach programs, especially in the area of art instruction. Charlynn will be available for visual art residencies of 12-15 hrs. for each school located within City of North Charleston boundaries or to lead workshops for community groups of all ages.

Art teachers and school liasons may initiate the request for FREE services by submitting a completed
Visual Artist-in-Residence Request Form. Community groups are welcome to submit requests which will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. All project requests should be placed at least two weeks in advance and residencies must be completed by the end of May 2014.

For more information, contact Cultural Arts Coordinator, Nancy Rodriguez at 740-5851.
4TH ANNUAL OPEN ARTS EXPO
Sunday, September 8
12:00-4:00pm
The Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston
(near corner of St. Philip Street and George Street)
FREE ADMISSION!

Presented by The Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts in partnership with the College of Charleston School of the Arts

Check out interactive booths from more than 40 art organizations and arts-friendly businesses! Purchase tickets to upcoming performances and events, participate in hands-on activities, see live performances and art on display, and learn all about the arts in the Lowcountry.

Be sure to stop by and visit our booth! We’ll be leading a kid’s art activity and will have lots of information on this year’s programs, exhibitions, and events.
2013 OPEN North Charleston Cultural Arts Dept. Spotlight
FALL DECOR FOR A CAUSE

AUTUMN WREATHS IN THE OLDE VILLAGE

The Olde North Charleston Merchants Association and the Cultural Arts Dept. are collaborating once again to decorate the Olde Village section of East Montague Ave. with decorative grapevine wreaths for Fall.

Get involved – sponsor a wreath to benefit charity!

Schools, churches, community groups, businesses, and individuals are invited to sponsor a 24″ wreath with two-sided orange ribbon for $25 and personalize it with decorations of their choosing -OR- sponsor a pre-decorated wreath for $50. Past participants have the option of decorating last year’s wreath for $15.
Wreaths with sponsor signage will be displayed on light poles lining the Olde Village throughout October and November.

Proceeds from wreath sponsorships will go toward the City of North Charleston’s Christmas charity benefiting needy families.

Wreath sponsorship requests should be made
by 5:00pm on Friday, September 20. Wreaths should be decorated and ready to hang by Tuesday, October 1.

To sponsor, or for more information, call the Cultural Arts Dept. at 843-740-5854 or email culturalarts@
northcharleston.org.
REMINDER

CITY HOLIDAY

The Cultural Arts Department offices will be closed in observance of the following federal holidays:

Monday, September 2
LABOR DAY

EXHIBITIONS

Works by The South Carolina Watermedia Society

The South Carolina Watermedia Society’s Annual Exhibition, on loan from the SC State Museum Traveling Exhibition Program, is a juried exhibition of works by members of the SCWS. The exhibit features the top 30 pieces from the show covering a variety of subjects by some of South Carolina’s most talented artists. Selections for the 36th annual exhibit were made by water-colorist Linda Baker.
FREE
North Charleston City Gallery (w/in Chas. Area Convention Ctr.)
5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
On view: September 3-30
Gallery hours: 9:00am-5:00pm daily

Works by Baird Hoffmire

Local illustrator Baird Hoffmire presents Images From a Restless Mind, featuring a collection of “stories” told in his bold, distinctive style through acrylic and mixed media. Hoffmire’s work is inspired by how social commentary and observations about the world we inhabit can be coded into symbols, both in obvious and subtle ways. His work features elements from memory, emotion, and old family photos combined with influences from comic books, pop culture, and current events. The public is invited to attend a free reception hosted by the artist on Friday, September 6, from 6:00-8:00pm
FREE
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
On view: September 3-October 31
Window viewing anytime
Free public reception: Friday, September 6; 6:00-8:00pm

National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition

The eighth annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition opens this month at the stunning North Charleston Riverfront Park. The eleven month exhibition features nine established and emerging artists displaying imaginative and thought provoking large-scale sculpture. Visitors can enjoy the sculpture displays among ten acres of walking paths, a fishing pier, boardwalk, an oversized sandbox and children’s play area. Images, awards, and artists’ statements can be seen on the exhibit’s section of our website.
FREE
North Charleston Riverfront Park
1001 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston
On display through March 23, 2014, park open daily
PERFORMANCES

When a member of the infamous Charles Townson family is murdered, the World’s Greatest Detective, Sherlock Holmes, is drawn into a Lowcountry case of mystery, history, spooks, and specters. Join the Master of Logic himself for an Historical City Tour truly for the lazy – where without ever leaving your theatre seat you will explore Charleston’s past, present, and … other worldly… and where should you choose to volunteer, you may actually play a victim, villain, or vile vision! Professional actors, volunteer audience roles. Menu includes Trattoria Carbonara – Classic roman dish, spaghetti pasta, glazed onion, crisp pancetta, cracked pepper, creamy egg & Italian cheese sauce. Catered by Embassy Suites.
Tickets: $40 each; $15 for play only. Group discounts available.
Call 843-740-5847 to purchase by Tuesday, September 17.
Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom
5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston
Friday, September 20
Doors open for dinner at 7:00pm

North Charleston Farmers Market Concerts

The Farmers Market takes place every Thursday through October 31. The market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, and features art & craft booths, food vendors, and entertainment. Enjoy live music every 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Thursday. The Shelly Waters Duo will perform Louisiana swamp classics and Americana favorites on September 5. Olu’ Olu’ will present vintage tunes and stylish originals on September 19. Chuck “The Cat” Morris will be performing blues songs on September 26.
FREE
Felix C. Davis Community Center grounds
4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
Thursdays, September 5, 19 & 26
Market open 12:00-7:00pm/ Concert 4:00-6:00pm
WORKSHOPS, CLASSES & CAMPS

Painting Workshop w/ Deborah Meyer: Color

Adults ages 18 and up will focus on color studies to expand painting knowledge using visual references selected by the teacher.Students must bring their own materials: paints, brushes, canvases, easels (if use of table is not preferred).
Fee: $28 per workshop or $125 for series of 5 workshops.
Registration closes one week prior to day of workshop.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Tuesday, September 3; 9:30am-12:30pm

Studio Session w/ Deborah Meyer
Adults ages 18 and up will receive one-on-one assistance to develop and refine paintings that students have in progress or that are ready to be tackled. Students must bring their own materials: paints, brushes, canvases, easels (if use of table is not preferred).
Fee: $25 per session or $120 for series of 5 sessions.
Registration closes one week prior to day of session.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Wednesday, September 4; 9:30am-12:30pm

Class: Watercolor Painting for Teens

This course is designed to introduce students ages 13-18 to watercolor painting through direct exposure to the properties and methods of this challenging medium. This is an ideal course for future architect students, for those wanting to reinforce their observation skills, or for those who wish to bolster their rendering capabilities. For the more advanced, there will be discussions and projects designed to increase individual progress. Closely followed by the instructor, Robert B. Reed, the lessons will be limited to a comfortable number of students set in a fun-filled environment. Materials are provided. Minimum enrollment must be met.
Fee: $180 for four workshops, 3 hours each.
Registration closes one week prior to first class.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Saturdays, September 7, 14, 21 & 28; 1:00pm-4:00pm

Creative Arts Workshop w/ Sarah Hammond

Sweetgrass basket making workshop for adults with Sarah Hammond. Participants age 18 and up will learn the basics of the historical art form of sweetgrass basket weaving. Materials are provided.
Fee: $15. Registration closes two days prior to workshop.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Saturday, September 28; 10:00am-12:30pm

North Charleston Farmers Market Art Demonstrations

The North Charleston Farmers Market takes place every Thursday through October 31. The market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, and features art & craft booths, food vendors, and entertainment. Enjoy visual art demos by local artist groups every 2nd Thursday. The September 12 market will feature painting demos by artists from The Goose Creek Artist Guild.
FREE
Felix C. Davis Community Center grounds
4800 Park Circle, North Charleston
Thursday, September 12
Market open 12:00-7:00pm/ Demo 4:00-6:00pm

** FUTURE CLASSES – SIGN UP EARLY! **

Class: NxLevel for Creative Entrepreneurs
Creative production and service requires a great deal of flexibility in pricing, marketing, and product development. While appropriate for traditional business development, this class is designed to provide those in nontraditional businesses with the ability to develop sustainable enterprises, improving our economic community here in the Lowcountry. The class provides students with the necessary understanding to develop a successful business plan, while providing examples of creative businesses in our region. Throughout the program, students will be introduced to a broad variety of successful creative entrepreneurs in various fields. This program is made possible by a partnership with Lowcountry Local First and Clemson University.
Fee: $149. Call 843-740-5852 to register.
The Olde Village Community Building
4820 Jenkins Avenue, North Charleston
Tuesdays, Oct 1-Dec 10, 2013 (no class Nov 26); 6:00-8:00pm

Painting Workshop w/ Deborah Meyer – Design for Painting
Adults ages 18 and up will focus on design to expand painting knowledge using visual references selected by the teacher.Students must bring their own materials: paints, brushes, canvases, easels (if use of table is not preferred).
Fee: $28 per workshop or $125 for series of 5 workshops.
Registration closes one week prior to day of session.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Tuesday, October 1; 9:30am-12:30pm

Studio Session w/ Deborah Meyer
Adults ages 18 and up will receive one-on-one assistance to develop and refine paintings that students have in progress or that are ready to be tackled. Students must bring their own materials: paints, brushes, canvases, easels (if use of table is not preferred).
Fee: $25 per session or $120 for series of 5 sessions.
Registration closes one week prior to day of session.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Wednesday, October 2; 9:30am-12:30pm

Beadweaving Workshop

Under the instruction of Tina Arnoldi, participants ages 18 and up will learn to weave a bracelet using seed beads, creating a pattern that is a reflection of their unique style. Some familiarity with beadweaving is helpful. Materials are provided.
Fee: $40.
Registration closes one week prior to workshop.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Saturday, October 5; 10:30am-12:30pm

Creative Arts Workshop w/ Tamie Ward
Workshop for adults on decorating notecards with fabric under the instruction of Tamie Ward. Participants will learn two different techniques for using fabric to create notecards. One technique will be fusing fabric and the other will be creating fabric yo-yo’s. Materials are provided.
Fee: $15. Registration closes two days prior to workshop.
Call 843-740-5854.
The Meeting Place
1077 E. Montague Avenue, North Charleston
Saturday, October 26; 10:00am-12:30pm

North Charleston Artist Guild:
Regular meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6pm. The September meeting will take place at The Meeting Place (1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston) and will feature a presentation by metal smith, accessory designer and professor emeritus of art at Winthrop University, Alfred Ward.

As a consultant designer for Spink & Sons in London (by appointment to her Majesty the Queen) Ward has designed and produced pieces for The Royal Family, Revlon of Paris, Covent Garden Opera House, Margo Fonteyn, and the The Royal Air Force. As an internationally known designer he has work in many museums and collections, including The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. For more information, visit northcharlestonartistguild.org.

The next North Charleston Artist Guild meeting is on
Tuesday, September 24.

North Charleston City Gallery Exhibition Opportunity

Visual artists and artist groups are welcome to submit an application to exhibit original works in the North Charleston City Gallery, located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. This location offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach local patrons as well as out-of-state visitors. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists jointly. Exhibits are programmed one year in advance according to fiscal year. Artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery for fiscal year July 2014-June 2015 should submit an application by the deadline. Applications can be downloaded from Applications & Registration Forms section of our website .
Deadline for submission of application: November 30, 2013

The Meeting Place Window Exhibition Opportunity

Visual artists and fine crafters are welcome to submit an application to exhibit original works in the display windows of the Meeting Place, located at 1077 East Montague Avenue in the Olde Village area of North Charleston. The Meeting Place Window Exhibition provides an informal public exhibition opportunity, offering 24 hour visibility. Exhibits are rotated on a bi-monthly basis and may feature two or more artists in the window space each month. Exhibits are programmed one year in advance according to fiscal year. Artists interested in exhibiting in the window space for fiscal year July 2014-June 2015 should submit an application by the deadline. Applications can be downloaded from Applications & Registration Forms section of our website .
Deadline for submission of application: November 30, 2013

The response I received from you regarding the proposal of placing an $87,000 mural on the side of a water tank near Park Circle was overwhelming, and you unanimously opposed it. I’m hearing that this venture is now off the radar for public funds. If we must, we will unite per your proposals (i.e. petitions, etc.) and make our voices heard. Right now, it seems that this won’t be necessary. Thank you for being so engaged and supportive!

Extra Space Storage is coming to our district. It will be at 9670 Dorchester Road (near Gerald’s Tire, sign is posted at the property site). I am attaching an image of the front elevation. The site will be protected with a 40′ tree buffer as we have done with the Lowe’s and The Corner at Wescott developments.

I am working on compiling a new list of businesses at The Corner of Wescott to include any new additions since my last updates. Starbuck’s will be opening first, during October this year. It will be located at the outbuilding directly in the corner of the shopping center.

The city is repairing an area along Wescott Blvd. at my request. Cones are up, top soil has been spread, and soon the area will be seeded with grass. This is near the intersection of Ballentine Drive. This area has been unsightly for years. Cars have used this area as a parking area or turn around and it’s time to make it conforming with the rest of Wescott Blvd (grassed and undisturbed). Special thanks to our Public Works department for the support.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The North Charleston Fire Department (NCFD) will formally announce its international accreditation at the North Charleston City Council meeting on Thursday at 7:00pm in City Hall.

The NCFD was unanimously awarded Accredited Agency Status by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) at the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission hearings in Chicago, Illinois on August 15, 2013. The NCFD is one of only 187 agencies worldwide and one of six in South Carolina (Mt. Pleasant, Hilton Head, Charleston AFB, Parris Island, and Spartanburg)to obtain CFAI Accredited Agency Status.

The Accreditation model provides a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation process that enables fire and emergency service agencies to examine performance levels and compare them to industry best practices. Departments are required to develop a community-driven strategic plan, standards of cover assessment and an extensive risk analysis of the community they serve. The model examines 244 performance indicators that must be verified through an on-site peer review by subject matter experts from around the country.

It typically takes a fire department 3-5 years to become accredited. The accreditation is recognized worldwide as a measure of excellence in the fire service.

“Accreditation is confirmation to our citizens that the highest quality fire service is being received,” said Mayor Keith Summey. “Subjecting our fire department to outside peer reviews and investigations and upholding a high level of standards is important to ensure we continue to innovate to better protect our city.”

“Our purpose in seeking accreditation was to invite the most intense scrutiny available to ensure that we can meet all of the fire protection needs of our thriving city,” said Fire Chief Greg Bulanow. “We see this as a validation of more than three years of hard work to systematically improve the service we provide and we will continue to use this process to become an even better department.”

36th annual juried exhibit features works by some of SC’s best artists

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that works by The South Carolina Watermedia Society will be on exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery from September 2-30, 2013. The collection of works, on loan through the South Carolina State Museum’s Traveling Exhibitions Program, features the top 30 pieces from the group’s 36th annual juried exhibition. Selections were made by world renowned watercolorist, Linda Baker. A number of the works on view will be available for purchase, including the exhibit’s Best of Show, a watercolor piece titled Taking a Break by Beaufort, SC, artist Audrey Montgomery.

The South Carolina Watermedia Society is the only statewide visual arts organization in South Carolina to promote artists who work in watermedia, which includes watercolor, acrylic, gouache and casein, among others. As the state’s largest visual arts guild, their membership includes some of South Carolina’s best artists. Their annual juried exhibition, which has been presented since 1977, offers both new and established artists from around the state the opportunity to compete for prize money and to have their work exhibited in a variety of venues under the supervision of the South Carolina State Museum’s Traveling Exhibitions Program. In addition, the group provides a number of other exhibition opportunities, educational programs and avenues for professional development. For more information, visit scwatermedia.com.

The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free during regular Convention Center operating hours, 9:00am – 5:00pm daily. The gallery is staffed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at http://bit.ly/culturalarts.

The Wescott traffic circle work has started once again! Work was delayed due to all of the rain we’ve had, and due to other projects taking priority in the city. Here’s what’s planned: SCE&G is to place 4 street lights inside the circle at each quadrant. Concrete work (conduits, curbing and flumes) for drainage will be added too. After that, the city will redo the irrigation, grass and replant with all new material. Wescott Blvd has been re-striped with from the traffic circle to Patriot Blvd., the remainder will be done from the circle to Dorchester Road after construction is completed at The Corner at Wescott.

Fort Dorchester Residential Association

The FDRA met a few weeks ago and there were another 50 or so residents in attendance (from Indigo, Taylor Plantation, Coosaw, Whitehall, Cedar Grove, and Wescott Neighborhoods). The FRDA is a big hit and is growing rapidly. Mr. Butch Barfield, from North Charleston Emergency Management, discussed the Emergency Preparedness activities in North Charleston. Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed! I posted several documents on my website; food and water distribution points for North Charleston residents, bridge procedures during high winds, and 2013 Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The FDRA typically meets the 1st Monday of each month and is made up of all North Charleston residents in both Districts 4 and 9. It was organized to create a forum for all of our neighborhoods to communicate with each other, the city, and any other developments in our area. All neighborhood Presidents and Board Members should participate or send a delegate! For more information about the FDRA or meeting minutes, please get in touch with our Co-Chairmen; Jamie McDowell at thefdra@gmail.com. He will add you to the FDRA gmail list and keep you informed about upcoming meetings too.

The Corner at Wescott

Not much to report here as you can see the progress with the construction. Rain, rain, and more rain is obviously slowing things down. Perhaps by the end of this year stores will begin to open. Here’s a reminder of the stores that are confirmed so far: Jersey Mike’s, Moe’s Southwestern Grill with outdoor seating, Harris Teeter with drive-through Pharmacy, Marshall’s, a dry cleaner, Nail Salon, up-scale Liquor Store, Great Clips, full service Salon & Day Spa, Hallmark, Pet Supplies, Rack Room Shoes, a Bank, a major casual restaurant (4500 sq. ft.), Starbuck’s and Mattress Firm.

Dorchester Road

State senator Sean Bennett confirmed with me last month that this project will begin in late August. Dorchester from Ashley Phosphate to Parlor will be resurfaced, finally!

Wescott Sports Complex

Our park is continuing to develop and once everything is completed there will be an official grand opening. However, you should go visit the park if you haven’t already; enjoy! The city is waiting for equipment to arrive for the dog park. Once it’s in, the dog park will be completed. It’s located in the far rear of the park. The land for this park was donated to the city over 10 years ago. The cost of the development was $14 million. Wow, it’s a beautiful park!

Indigo by the Ashley – National Night Out

Special thanks to Carolyn Hoover and this neighborhood for inviting me to their National Night Out activities. It was a great time to mingle with the residents and for everyone to get closer to our Police Department and Fire Department folks. Police Chief Driggers came out and visited too! There was a Firetruck for the kids, raffling, and lots of good food and company. Thank you and great job!

Wescott Commons

This new development along Ballantine Drive will have 26 2-story homes squeezed onto 3.7 acres. This neighborhood was approved and designed before I considered becoming a councilman; I wish it had been turned into a community park. Nevertheless, I have been actively pursuing improvements to it since January 2012; the day after my swearing in ceremony. With help from our community, we were able to improve the ingress and egress roads to help prevent traffic issues during cars entering and exiting the neighborhood. Currently parking is a huge concern, and thats directly hurting sales of the homes. I have worked over the past year through our planning and zoning department to have the developer add 53 planned parking spaces that will parallel the back alley road. Parking along Ballantine Drive will be prohibited and enforced via their HOA.

Woodlands

By request of the HOA, I had the No Parking signs removed from Ballantine Drive. Also, all remaining Stop Ahead signs will be removed. The new sign posts you put up look amazing!

HOAs and Community Management Groups and Neighbors

Share this email with your friends, neighbors, homeowner associations, and email distribution lists. Let’s get the word out about what going on in our area of the city and help everyone stay informed. Also, if you’re not getting this email directly from me, send an email to me and I will add you to my distribution list. I send email newsletters out every 2-3 months, as news accumulates, and post daily news on my website and on Facebook.

North Charleston District 9 Website

Go to www.ronbrinson.com for crime reports, daily press releases, cultural arts events, and general help and information. This reduces the number of emails I would otherwise send out to you.

North Charleston places nationally in the 2013 Better Government Competition, sponsored by the Boston-based Pioneer Institute; Competition sought ideas to facilitate job growth on a local level; City finished as one of five winners nationally

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The Pioneer Institute, Boston, MA-based, independent non-partisan research organization, recently announced that the City of North Charleston placed nationally in the Institute’s 2013 Better Government Competition. For the competition, the Institute sought ideas from governmental entities and non-profit organizations on facilitating locally-based programs for job creation.

North Charleston will receive a $1,000 allocation, based on an essay submitted to the Institute last April, entitled “Sustainable Urban Redevelopment: Reinventing the Local Economy”. The City was selected as a winner in a field that included more than 100 applicants. Use of the funds is yet to be determined.

“This year’s theme of job growth is one of the country’s biggest challenges,” says Shawni Littlehale, director of the Better Government Competition. “We received hundreds of proposals from across the country, and we know that the winning solutions, if implemented, will make a real impact on our quality of life.”

“The many companies locating in the City of North Charleston have invested billions of dollars, creating thousands of new jobs,” says Summey. “This is a validation that the City’s business environment is ripe for economic prosperity.”

The Pioneer Institute selected North Charleston based on an aggressive, pro-business stance that includes a long term, holistic redevelopment plan for the City’s historic neighborhoods, including Park Circle, the former Charleston Naval Base and the East Montague Business Corridor. Job training programs and industry recruitment, in collaboration with state and regional governments, were also key factors in North Charleston’s selection.

The Pioneer Institute will formerly present the awards September 30, honoring the 2013 winner and runners up. Forbes magazine publisher Steve Forbes will be the keynote speaker at the event.

“Business and job growth in North Charleston foster an improved quality of life, and a better community for all of our citizens,” adds Summey. “A rising tide truly lifts all boats.”

About Pioneer Institute
Pioneer Institute is an independent, non-partisan, privately funded research organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and beyond, through civic discourse and intellectually vigorous, data-driven public policy solutions based on free market principles, individual liberty and responsibility, and the ideal of effective, limited and accountable government. Pioneer’s work promotes high-quality public schools, affordable healthcare, effective but frugal government, and greater economy opportunity for its residents. The Institute makes an impact on public policy through rigorous research by leading scholars, press appearances, social media, and education sessions with legislators.

About The Better Government Competition
The Competition: The Pioneer Institute’s Better Government Competition, founded in 1991, is an annual citizens’ idea contest that seeks out and rewards the most innovative public policy proposals. Over the last two decades, ideas generated by the Better Government Competition have helped Pioneer save Commonwealth taxpayers over $750 million and improve the quality of the public services they receive.